Gearing College Grads Up for the Workforce)Rebecca Adams)8/25/2016<p>Finding a job remains a tough challenge for new college graduates who are eager to begin their cahttp://www.argosy.edu/our-community/blog/gearing-college-grads-up-for-the-workforce1

Gearing College Grads Up for the Workforce

Finding a job remains a tough challenge for new college graduates who are eager to begin their careers.

For those facing the challenge of finding employment today, advice
for graduates gleaned from two collegiate professionals can help. “This
is the time to
think out of the box,” says Amanda Rajotte, director of career
services at Brown Mackie College – Hopkinsville. “I encourage students
to focus on
employment skills and goals early in the program.”

The prepared candidate is a step ahead

“Good verbal communication skills, the ability to embrace change in
the workplace, and being a team player can catch a prospective
employer’s attention,”
says Grace Klinefelter, of the Business & Organizational Leadership
program chair at Argosy University, Washington DC.
“Companies look for candidates with
problem-solving and analytical skills, too.” Think about these
questions: What can I bring to a company? Why should they choose me?
Writing your own
answers to these essential questions is a good way to prepare for a
job search. The exercise can provide valuable insight that may help
shape your
responses to future interview questions.

Take a hands-on approach

Rajotte’s job as director of career services entails a constant
search for employment opportunities to help graduates of many different
academic programs.
She honed her job-seeking skills when she moved to Kentucky, where
she knew no one, and needed to find work herself. “I fully support a
proactive, hands-on
approach,” she says. “It is never too early to begin networking.”
She encourages students to interact with professionals in the field as
much as possible.

Maintain alumni relations

She counsels students to attend networking events with people who
are a year ahead in the academic program. “Those students will have a
position by the
time the others graduate. It’s as important to build relationships
with those about to enter your field as it is with people already
working. Referrals can
come from both sources,” Rajotte says. Word of mouth can be
powerful. Even if the person you have stopped to chat with isn’t in a
position to help, you
never know if they have a friend who is looking to fill a spot.

Join professional associations

Much can be accomplished simply by knowing people. Klinefelter
relates the true story of one Argosy University student who panicked at
the thought of
facing her search for employment. “She had already fulfilled the
requirements for graduation, yet wanted to take more courses. I
encouraged her to join a
professional business association connected to her field,” she says.
“Once she connected with her professional organization, she landed a
job with the
association. It’s about having the right attitude and looking
forward instead of back,” says Klinefelter.

Visit the local chamber of commerce

“This is something I did when I moved here,” says Rajotte. “I
reached out and got in contact with the different committees they run.”
The meetings offered
the opportunity to meet with executives from some of the larger
corporations in the community, and let them know she was new in town,
with specific
qualifications. “This became a successful network that was useful.
One community leader was willing to send a letter of introduction for
me,” Rajotte says.

Attend community events

It isn’t necessary to wait for a local networking event to happen.
Developing relationships means putting yourself out there and letting
people know your
professional intentions. “It’s a way for students and graduates to
find out about local organizations they can join, as well as employment
opportunities,”
says Rajotte.

Volunteer efforts offer mutual benefits

Volunteer work provides experience. “Our medical assistant students
volunteer at a local free clinic. Help is always needed, and it gives
them real-world
experience beyond the externship in the career field,” says Rajotte.
“It’s a great way to get professional references.” College campuses
also provide
volunteer opportunities. “Students can demonstrate capabilities by
volunteering to work with faculty on special projects, as well as
outside activities,”
says Klinefelter. Even volunteer activities outside of your field of
study can be beneficial. You never know who is painting or planting
flowers beside
you.

Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary
by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to
residents of
all U.S.